15 Ways To Move House On A Budget

Moving house on a budget isn't easy, but it's certainly doable.

With average moving costs in the UK hovering around £8,885, finding ways to cut down these costs is important.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, these 15 tips will help you move house on a budget.

1. Plan Your House Move Ahead Of Time

Start your moving plans at least 6-8 weeks before you actually plan to move. Start with a moving budget that includes everything from packing materials to moving company fees. 

Pro tip: Schedule your move mid-week or off-peak (autumn or winter months) as moving companies charge premiums during busy seasons like summer weekends. If you can, try and negotiate the rate with them - it never hurts to ask!

2. Declutter As You Pack To Avoid Overspending

The less stuff you move, the less you pay. Having a lot of items means you need more boxes, bigger removal vans and higher mover fees.

Take this as an opportunity to sort through your things and really think about if you need them or not.

To help get some money back in the pot, try selling items you no longer need through platforms like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace. If you can, try and go to a nearby car boot sale. If you are struggling to sell, you can always donate items to charity shops.

3. Compare Moving Quotes To Get The Best Deal

Professional movers are one of the biggest costs when moving house. If you want to move house on a budget, you'll need to try and get this down as low as possible.

On average, according to Checkatrade, moving a three-bedroom house costs £1,300 on average, depending on distance and services.

To save money on this, you should:

• Get at least three quotes from reliable moving companies.
• Check reviews to make sure you're getting a good quality service.
• Negotiate prices or ask for discounts if you’re flexible with your dates.

Some companies offer discounts during off-peak seasons or for weekday moves, so don’t hesitate to ask.

At The Box Co. we match any cheaper price you find online. Get in touch with our team to get a free moving quote today.

4. Explore DIY vs. Hiring Movers

While hiring movers is convenient, going DIY can save money if you don't have too much stuff. Renting a van costs £50–£100 per day, but be prepared for heavy lifting.

Balance the pros and cons:

• DIY is cheaper for short distances or small moves.
• For long-distance moves or fragile items, professional help may prevent expensive accidents.

5. Use Free or Low-Cost Packing Materials

Packing materials are very important when it comes to fragile items and packing properly, but the cost can quickly add up.

Here’s how to save:

• Gather free boxes from supermarkets or friends.
• Use household items like towels, clothes and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Disassemble larger items to make them easier to pack. 
• Avoid using newspaper for delicate items, as the ink can transfer.

If you buy high-quality packaging, focus on heavy-duty boxes, bubble wrap, and strong duct tape to protect your valuables.

6. Pack Yourself

Packing yourself saves on professional packing fees (averaging £200–£400). But it's only a cost worth taking if you do it properly. Professional packers can prevent breakages and make sure your items are transported safely.

If you do want to do it DIY style, take your time to cushion items properly, and label boxes by room.

Top tips:

• Don’t overfill boxes—too heavy, and they might break.
• Use pillows and bedding as padding.
• Pack a “first-night box” with essentials like toiletries, chargers, and clean clothes.
• Make an inventory with which items are in each box.
• Pack boxes by heaviest item on the bottom and lightest on top.
• Make sure any fragile items are labelled 'fragile'.

7. Declutter Furniture

Large furniture takes up valuable van space, making costs go up. Think about whether you want to sell, donate or keep bulky items:

• Chipboard furniture is often cheaper to replace than move, as it’s prone to damage during transport.
• If possible, sell furniture to your home’s new buyers or donate locally.
• If you do want to keep it, try deconstructing it to make it easier to transport, when you get into your new home, you can put it back together.

8. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions

If your move is work-related or you are self-employed and work from home, you might qualify for tax deductions on moving expenses.

Speak to a tax advisor to explore this option and keep all receipts for when you file your tax return.

9. Disconnect All Utility Services

One way to spend unnecessary money is by paying for utilities after you move out.

Avoid this by scheduling disconnections and reconnections ahead of time.

Transfer contracts where possible to avoid new setup fees. Cancel unused subscriptions like TV licences or gym memberships in the weeks leading up to your move.

Pro tip: Use price comparison websites to switch to cheaper providers for electricity, internet and gas in your new home.

10. Move At The Right Time

Timing is everything. Moving during peak periods, like summer weekends, can make costs go up by 20–30%. Instead, aim for weekday moves in autumn or winter, when moving companies are less busy and can offer better rates.

11. Insure Your Belongings

One way to make the move extra costly is by breaking expensive items that aren't insured. Most removal companies provide basic coverage, but double-check before you book. If you’re moving yourself, look for insurance policies to protect high-value items during the move.

Skipping insurance might save money upfront but could cost more if something valuable gets broken.

12. Plan Meals in Advance

It’s tempting to rely on takeaways during a move, especially if all of your kitchen items are packed away, but this can add up quickly.

Plan and prep easy meals like sandwiches or pasta salads. Use up perishable foods in your fridge and pantry to avoid waste.

Bonus tip: Arrange a supermarket delivery to your new home on moving day to avoid last-minute shopping trips and make sure you have food from day 1.

13. Use a Mail Redirection Service

Royal Mail’s mail redirection service costs around £33.99 for three months.

This small investment means no bills or important documents will be lost during the move, saving potential late fees or service disruptions.

14. Choose the Right Storage Option

Storage can be important during a house move, especially if you need a bit of extra time setting up, but it’s easy to overpay. A small storage unit costs around £50–£100 per month, while larger units can go above £200.

To save:

• Declutter before deciding on storage size.
• Compare prices from local providers.
• Look for discounts.
• Negotiate with storage companies.
• Opt for a storage by the box option, which prevents you needing to pay for an entire unit.

If you're looking for reliable storage providers that price storage by the box, get in touch with The Box Co. today.

15. Learn from Others

Read around on blogs or forums for moving tips in your area. Friends or family who’ve recently moved can also give advice that might help you save some money on your move.

Bonus Tips and Tricks For Budget House Moves

• Mark Your Boxes by Room: Use a colour-coding or numbering system to make unpacking easier.

• Empty Liquids and Flammables: Avoid spills or safety hazards by packing liquids in sealed bags and leaving behind flammable items like fuel or paint.

• Enlist Friends and Family: Instead of hiring help, ask loved ones to help with packing, loading, or unpacking.

Sample Moving Budget Breakdown

Expense	Average Cost
Professional Movers	£500–£1,200
DIY Van Rental	£50–£100 per day
Packing Supplies	£50–£100
Storage Unit (per month) Storage by the box (per month)	£50–£200 £3.56
Mail Redirection	£33.99 (3 months)
Insurance for High-Value Items	£50–£100

 

By carefully planning and using these tips, you can cut costs while keeping your move stress-free.

Moving On A Budget: Everything You Need To Know

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With proper planning, smart packing, and flexibility, you can cut costs whilst still having a successful move.

Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing or changing scenery, these budget-friendly tips will help you transition smoothly while keeping your wallet intact.

Happy moving!